Quality Early Childhood Development: Shaping Tomorrow’s Society

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‘If you pay attention to the beginning of the story, you can change the entire story.’ This quote captures the importance of quality early childhood development (ECD) in shaping life outcomes.

ECD programmes support optimal child development during a critical window, with positive ripple effects across the human lifespan.

Beyond the individual, quality ECD benefits national economies and helps break cycles of generational poverty. Studies consistently show that investing in ECD is more cost-effective than addressing social challenges such as crime, unemployment and discrimination later on. By fostering emotional regulation, social competence, cognitive abilities and entrepreneurial thinking from an early age, ECD addresses multiple issues simultaneously.

It prioritises building strong children over fixing broken adults, positioning ECD as a proactive investment in social well-being.

The School of Education and KwaZulu-Natal ECD Collaborative workshop held on 31 May 2025 at UKZN’s Edgewood campus was hosted by the Community Engagement Division in the School, under the leadership of Professor Angela James and the collaborative planning team. The event demonstrated that meaningful educational opportunities do not have to be costly. It highlighted how creative recycling and sustainable practices can support holistic child development.

Participants explored how key competencies - mathematical skills, creativity, problem-solving, bilateral co-ordination, midline crossing, social-emotional and physical development - can be strengthened using toys made from everyday or discarded materials. These accessible tools help bridge economic gaps and directly contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Inclusive and equitable quality education.

The workshop also focused on entrepreneurship in ECD - not just as a path to future business ownership, but as a mindset of creativity and lifelong learning essential in a fast-changing world.

These workshops highlight the value of cross-sector collaboration. When universities, training centres, non-governmental organisations, non-profit organisations, government agencies, ECD centre supervisors, principals, teachers and practitioners work together instead of in isolation, the entire sector benefits. By combining diverse expertise and resources, these workshops ultimately enhance the youngest and most vulnerable members of society, our children. The Community Engagement sector and KZN ECD Collaboration aim to strengthen ECD programmes and promote the broader well-being of communities.

Thanks are extended to all those who contributed to the success of the meeting, including Early Years Enterprise, Little Elephant Training Centre for Early Education (Letcee), Training and Resources in Early Education (TREE) and Singakwazi Early Childhood Development providers. The School of Education and KZN ECD collaborative workshops are held monthly at UKZN’s Edgewood campus.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Supplied